iLEAP: Homeschool Edition
iLEAP
Take Charge of Your World
Monterey, CA,
“…a fabulous opportunity for my child. I never expected so much…”
~Nancy B., Parent
iLEAP is a program for teen age youth in which participants learn to own their learning while having impact on the world. The program is an offshoot of the successful iLead+Design program, offered through the Lyceum of Monterey, now going into its fifth year.
Master educator Aaron Eden brings his experience creating award-winning programs around the world to the homeschool community. Students will work in small teams with coaches who will serve as individual advisors to each student towards meeting student goals, while at the same time helping and working with the team to have impact on the real world.
LEAP Academy Student Video
iLEAP is modeled on the LEAP Academy program started by Aaron Eden. It has been running at the Green School in Bali since spring of 2016 and is expanding to other schools and learning centers.
Lean
All efforts are focused on learning to learn and having impact on the real world. There is no wasted effort.
Entrepreneurial
Students learn to become entrepreneurs in pursuit of their own learning. They are not given an education. They build one.
Action-based
We learn by doing. We co-create our goals, our group processes, our ways of working.
Product-oriented
Our efforts have impact on the world now. We’re not just preparing for engagement later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the participants be doing?
Participants will be working mainly on one or more projects of value to the community that are decided on by the group.
If the participants desire, the group can spend part of its time supporting each other in setting and meeting individual goals as well as the group goals.
What will the participants get out of this?
The world is crying out for more people with uniquely human skills, just as demand for direction followers and information regurgitators is dropping sharply. Skills such as:
- The ability to identify opportunities and design and execute solutions
- High emotional intelligence
- Comfort with ambiguity
- Determination, confidence, and resilience
- Self awareness
- Etc.
Generally, our education system is not only not providing opportunities to develop and practice these skills, but is actively hindering their growth. For more on this concept, see a recent talk by Aaron on the future of education, here.
iLEAP and the LEAP family of programs are designed on pedagogical principles that not only allow room for development of these skills, but actively designs for and shines light on opportunities to practice them constantly.
Where will this take place?
We have been provided with a wonderful co-working space at the Upper School campus of Bay View Academy near downtown Monterey. Because we are on a school campus, we need to arrange clearance for visitors a head of time. Please contact the Lyceum to be connected to iLEAP program director Aaron Eden if you wish to arrange a visit. 831-372-6098
What is the schedule?
Current meeting times are:
- Tuesdays, 1:30 to 4:30
- Thursdays, 1:30 to 4:30
Who are the coaches?
The primary coach and program supervisor will be Aaron Eden, the program creator. Aaron is an internationally recognized educator and education consultant who has extensive experience creating and facilitating emergent, student-driven learning experiences that are rigorous and transformative.
You can see his experience on LinkedIn and explore interviews he has given and programs he has created on his consulting firm’s website, here.
Other coaches and adult participants may join the program from the time to time. Aaron works with innovators throughout the community. Cross pollination from other advanced learners, doers, and collaborators provides an incredible enrichment to the experience.
Is this safe?
Supervision levels will be discussed with parents and participants to find an agreeable level. Part of the purpose of this program is to allow young people to explore the world in a way that allows them to build decision-making and resilience skills. Ultimately, decisions are up the participants and to parents as far as activities we engage with. But program director and coach Aaron Eden has years of experience teaching at all levels, is a parent of three children under 14, and has a long track record of good judgement.
How will transportation work?
Student travel each day to and from the meeting places will need to be arranged by each family.
There may be need to travel during the day depending on the projects students decide to engage with. Transportation for mid-day excursions will be worked out on a case-by-case basis, with possible student, coach, or parent drivers if bicycle or bus are not an option for the destination.
What about food?
Participants can either bring food each day, or bring money to purchase food at nearby restaurants or shops.
A refillable water bottle is recommended, as are snacks.
What is the cost?
The cost is $175 per month per participant for the two day per week schedule. Family rates can be arranged, and limited scholarships are possible depending on need. The program is approved by Inspire and Ocean Grove charters and so is eligible for funding through them.
What do others say about this program?
“iLead+Design was a fabulous opportunity for my child. I never expected so much from a two week program. As a parent, I can’t think of any program I’ve come across that I would recommend any higher!! I’m so glad you all took the time to create this program and I hope it continues to grow.”
Nancy B.
Parent of an iLead+Design participant
“I don’t know how Aaron did it, but I do know that he knows how kids tick and how to challenge them to move to extraordinary places in their thinking and doing. I highly recommend Aaron for anyone who wants to build their kid’s love of learning and challenge them to think big!”
Roo G.
Parent of LEAP Academy student
How long will the program run?
The program will run indefinitely, and students can join or leave any time. Two weeks is a good amount of time to get a feel for the program and to decide if it’s something that a student will want to participate in longer term